Pennsylvania is one of the strongest states in the country for clinical psychology education. Through major academic medical centers, large hospital systems, VA facilities, and community behavioral health networks, students can gain meaningful experience at every stage, from undergraduate clinical exposure to doctoral-level supervised practice.

Whether you’re starting with a bachelor's degree or pursuing a doctorate, Pennsylvania offers diverse options across Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Central PA, and beyond.

In this article, you’ll learn:

  • How bachelor's programs with clinical tracks prepare students for graduate study
  • The differences between master's, PhD, PsyD, and post-master's certificate pathways
  • Pennsylvania-specific examples of clinical training settings
  • What to look for when choosing the best clinical psychology program for your goals
  • How degree level impacts licensure and career trajectory

2026 Best Clinical Psychology Programs in Pennsylvania

Finding the best clinical psychology programs in Pennsylvania can help students start strong careers. At counselingpsychology.org, we rank these programs based on important factors like faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student support. Our rankings highlight top schools that prepare graduates for clinical work. We focus on programs that offer hands-on training and strong outcomes. This guide gives clear information to make choosing a program easier. Explore our detailed rankings to see which Pennsylvania schools stand out. Learn more about how we create these rankings at https://www.counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA - Public 4-Year - wcupa.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (Child and Adolescent Mental Health)

Campus Based - Visit Website

West Chester University of Pennsylvania offers an APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. This campus-based program prepares culturally competent psychologists through evidence-based practice focused on high-risk populations. Students receive supervised clinical training starting in year one, combining didactic coursework with hands-on experience. The program requires an entrance exam and emphasizes leadership development, critical research evaluation, and adaptability to emerging knowledge in the field.

  • APA accredited program.
  • Focus on Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
  • Scholar-practitioner model.
  • Campus-based learning.
  • Supervised clinical training from year one.
  • Prepares for leadership roles.
  • Culturally competent training.
  • Evidence-based practice focus.
  • Critical research consumers.
  • Adaptive to new knowledge.

Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (Trauma)

Campus Based - Visit Website

West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with a Trauma concentration provides APA-accredited scholar-practitioner training. The program emphasizes culturally competent care, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive clinical training in mental health assessment and intervention. Students develop critical research skills and adaptive learning capabilities to address emerging needs in diverse populations. This program requires an entrance exam and prepares graduates for leadership roles through supervised clinical experiences beginning in the first year.

  • APA Accredited Clinical Psychology Program
  • Scholar-Practitioner Training Model
  • Comprehensive Clinical Training
  • Focus on Evidence-Based Practice
  • Culturally Competent Psychological Care
  • Leadership Role Preparation
  • Supervised Clinical Experiences
  • First-Year Clinical Training
  • Research and Intervention Skills
  • Diverse Population Expertise
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Marywood University

Scranton, PA - Private 4-year - marywood.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Clinical Services

Campus Based - Visit Website

Marywood University's Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Clinical Services offers a 48-credit clinical track blending theory with hands-on experience through internships. Accredited by CACREP, the program emphasizes scientific thinking, research methods, and preparation for graduate study in clinical psychology. Admission requires official transcripts and a recommendation letter, with SAT or ACT scores being optional. Students access state-of-the-art facilities, undergraduate research opportunities, and the Psychological Services Center, building a foundation for diverse careers in mental health fields.

  • 48-credit Clinical Track
  • Hands-on internship opportunities
  • Accredited by CACREP
  • Small class sizes
  • State-of-the-art facilities
  • Preparation for graduate study
  • Focus on clinical psychology
  • Scientific and critical thinking training
  • Research methods and statistical analysis
  • Interdisciplinary study of humanity

Doctorate - Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Marywood University's APA-accredited Psy.D. program prepares students for clinical practice through evidence-based training in CBT and DBT. The program emphasizes early practical experience with first-year practicums at an in-house clinic and diverse community sites. Small class sizes support a scholar-practitioner model focused on culturally sensitive care. No GRE is required for admission, though a minimum 3.48 GPA and psychology prerequisites are needed. Graduates achieve strong internship placements and careers in settings like medical centers, VA systems, and private practice.

  • APA Accredited Doctoral Program
  • Practicum begins first year
  • In-house psychology clinic
  • Small class sizes
  • Multiple community practicum sites
  • No GRE requirement
  • Minimum 3.48 GPA for admission
  • Prerequisites include psychology courses
  • Clinical supervision training
  • Scholarships available
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA - Private 4-year - immaculata.edu

Master's - Clinical Psychology, M.A.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Immaculata University's Clinical Psychology, M.A. program serves as the foundational component for students admitted to the Psy.D. program. This curriculum emphasizes research methodology, ethical standards, diversity competence, psychological assessment, and intervention strategies. Coursework includes Psychopathology, Cognitive Clinical Assessment, and Psychoanalytic Theories, complemented by hands-on practicum seminars. The program builds a strong foundation in clinical psychology principles, preparing graduates for advanced doctoral studies or entry-level psychology careers. Admission requires a bachelor's degree or unrelated master's degree. This program requires an entrance exam for admission.

  • Embedded in Psy.D. curriculum.
  • Focus on research, ethics, diversity.
  • Includes practicum seminars.
  • Covers assessment and intervention.
  • Requires bachelor's or master's degree.

Doctorate - Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Immaculata University's APA-accredited Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program employs a practitioner-scholar model to prepare students for clinical leadership. This six-year program features rigorous coursework, extensive clinical practica, and personalized mentorship in small classes. Students develop advanced skills in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and research, with access to a Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic. The program boasts a 95% internship placement rate and offers multiple certificates of emphasis. Tuition is $990 per credit, with evening scheduling available. This program requires an entrance exam for admission.

  • APA-accredited Psy.D. program
  • Six-year typical completion time
  • 95% internship placement rate
  • $990 per credit tuition
  • Face-to-face campus format
  • Comprehensive clinical training
  • Multiple certificates of emphasis
  • 3.3 minimum GPA requirement
  • Evening course scheduling
  • Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic

Doctorate - Clinical Psychology, Psy.D.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Immaculata University's APA-accredited Clinical Psychology, Psy.D. program provides comprehensive doctoral training through a practitioner-scholar approach. Students develop expertise in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and clinical practice while building research skills through coursework and independent projects. The six-year program features small class sizes, strong faculty mentorship, and high internship placement rates. With tuition at $990 per credit, graduates are prepared for leadership roles in diverse settings including private practices, hospitals, and university counseling centers. The program includes a Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic and offers multiple certificates of emphasis. This program requires an entrance exam for admission.

  • APA-accredited Psy.D. program
  • Six-year typical completion time
  • $990 per credit
  • High internship placement rates
  • Face-to-face campus classes
  • Small class sizes
  • Multiple certificates of emphasis
  • Strong faculty mentorship
  • Comprehensive clinical training
  • Neuropsychology Assessment Clinic
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#4

Point Park University

Pittsburgh, PA - Private 4-year - pointpark.edu

Doctorate - Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (Community Psychology)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Point Park University's APA-accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Community Psychology concentration provides a holistic, human-science approach to mental health. This five-year, 90-credit program emphasizes socio-cultural contexts, qualitative research, and community intervention through six clinical practicums in downtown Pittsburgh. Students develop advanced psychotherapy skills with a focus on social justice and cultural competence, preparing for diverse clinical roles. The program requires a minimum 3.25 GPA and full-time weekday courses, but does not specify entrance exam requirements for this doctoral program.

  • APA-accredited doctoral program
  • Affordable Pittsburgh-based doctorate
  • 90-credit, five-year curriculum
  • Community psychology focus
  • Six clinical practicums included
  • Downtown Pittsburgh location
  • Diverse theoretical perspectives
  • Qualitative research emphasis
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA required
  • Full-time weekday courses

Doctorate - Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology (Community Psychology)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Point Park University's APA-accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology features a Community Psychology concentration that examines mental health through social and cultural contexts. This 90-credit, five-year program trains practitioner-scholars in psychotherapy, community intervention, and scholarly research with hands-on experience in Pittsburgh. The curriculum emphasizes reflexivity and cultural sensitivity, including six clinical practicums and a one-year internship. While requiring a minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA and weekday courses, the program does not mention specific entrance exam requirements for this doctoral degree.

  • 90-credit doctoral program
  • APA-accredited program
  • Unique human science approach
  • Weekday courses in Pittsburgh
  • Six clinical practicums included
  • Community psychology focus
  • Five-year completion timeline
  • One-year clinical internship
  • Minimum 3.25 undergraduate GPA
  • Diverse theoretical perspectives
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

Saint Joseph's University

Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - sju.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Joseph's University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-credit program designed for working professionals seeking licensure. It requires no entrance exam and emphasizes practical training with 700 hours of supervised fieldwork. The curriculum prepares graduates to address mental health challenges, addiction, and interpersonal issues, with an optional addiction counseling certificate. Flexible pacing allows completion in 2.5 years at $979 per credit, aligning with projected job growth of over 22% in this high-demand field.

  • Fully online with practicum
  • 60 total credit hours
  • 2.5 years program length
  • Affordable $979 per credit
  • 700 supervised fieldwork hours
  • Meet LPC credential requirements
  • Optional addiction counseling certificate
*IPEDS 2024 data, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

Why Pennsylvania Is a Strong State for Clinical Psychology Students

Pennsylvania offers clinical training depth across multiple regions:

  • Philadelphia Metro: pediatric, academic medicine, trauma-focused care, and specialty clinics
  • Pittsburgh/Western PA: integrated health systems, hospital-based behavioral health, and research-driven clinical training
  • Central PA (Harrisburg, Hershey, State College): medical center and community mental health opportunities
  • Northeast/Lehigh Valley/Scranton: growing outpatient networks, school-linked services, and hospital affiliates

Common Pennsylvania Training Strengths Include:

  • Integrated behavioral health in primary care
  • Hospital-based psychiatry and consultation-liaison experiences
  • Substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment
  • Neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology
  • Child, adolescent, and family therapy across outpatient and school-linked settings

Explore Pennsylvania psychology schools.

Bachelor's Programs with Clinical Psychology Tracks in Pennsylvania

A bachelor's degree with a clinical psychology concentration or applied psychology focus is often the first step toward becoming a licensed psychologist or entering a behavioral health field.

Unlike general psychology programs, these tracks typically include:

  • Abnormal psychology and psychopathology
  • Clinical interviewing foundations
  • Psychological assessment fundamentals
  • Research methods and statistics
  • Supervised practicum or community-based experience

Pennsylvania Clinical Exposure Opportunities for Undergraduates

Strong bachelor's programs often connect students to:

  • Community mental health centers
  • Behavioral health departments within hospital systems
  • School-based counseling or intervention programs
  • University research labs focused on clinical populations

In Pennsylvania, undergraduates may find experiential learning opportunities within large systems such as:

These experiences are especially valuable when applying to competitive doctoral programs.

Undergraduate Planning Tip: Choose a bachelor's program that includes research lab participation and clinical volunteer opportunities; doctoral admissions committees strongly favor applicants with both.

Master's Programs in Clinical Psychology

Master's programs in clinical psychology provide deeper clinical theory and applied foundations. In Pennsylvania, these programs often serve two purposes:

  1. Strengthen preparation for doctoral study
  2. Prepare graduates for behavioral health roles (scope varies by degree type)

What Pennsylvania Master's Programs Typically Include

  • Advanced psychopathology
  • Assessment theory
  • Evidence-based psychotherapy foundations
  • Research design and thesis projects
  • Supervised practicum experiences

Important: A master's in clinical psychology alone does not typically lead to psychologist licensure in Pennsylvania. Psychologist licensure is generally associated with doctoral training.

Doctoral Programs: PhD vs PsyD in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers both major doctoral models: the PhD and the PsyD in clinical psychology.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

Best for students interested in research, academia, or hospital-based clinical science roles.

Typical features:

  • Heavy research training
  • Publication and grant involvement
  • Clinical practica integrated with research

PsyD in Clinical Psychology

Best for students focused primarily on clinical practice.

Typical features:

  • Extensive supervised clinical hours
  • Psychological assessment training
  • Therapy specialization tracks

Doctoral Clinical Training in Pennsylvania Often Includes

  • Hospital-based outpatient and inpatient behavioral health
  • Consultation-liaison services in medical centers
  • Trauma and PTSD treatment programs
  • Neuropsychology and rehabilitation psychology
  • Child and adolescent specialty clinics

Major ecosystems that frequently support practicum and internship training include:

  • Penn Medicine
  • UPMC
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
  • Geisinger

Doctoral Planning Tip: Review internship match rates and practicum placement depth when comparing programs.

Post-Master's Certificates in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology post-master's certificates in Pennsylvania can provide:

  • Specialized training in trauma, forensic psychology, neuropsychology foundations, or behavioral health
  • Skill expansion for clinicians already licensed in related professions
  • Advanced continuing education within structured academic settings

Not all certificates lead to new licensure eligibility. Always verify how the credential aligns with your career goals.

Online, Hybrid, and Campus Program Formats

Clinical psychology education is highly experiential, but Pennsylvania programs offer varied formats:

Campus-Based

  • Strong access to on-site clinics and supervision
  • Cohort-based training models
  • Embedded research labs

Hybrid

  • Online didactic coursework
  • In-person clinical skill labs and practica

Online (More Common for Certificates or Select Master's Content)

  • Flexible coursework
  • Clinical placements still completed in person

Fully online doctoral clinical psychology programs are rare due to supervised training requirements.

Comparing Degree Levels At a Glance

Degree LevelFocusLeads ToBest For
Bachelor's (Clinical Track)Foundational + applied exposureEntry-level behavioral roles; prep for grad studyStudents starting in psychology
Master'sAdvanced theory + practicumPrep for doctorate or certain behavioral rolesStudents strengthening credentials
PhDResearch + clinical trainingAcademic & clinical rolesResearch-oriented students
PsyDClinical practice trainingClinical psychologist pathwayPractice-focused students
Post-Master's CertificateSpecialized trainingNiche expertiseLicensed or graduate-level clinicians

How to Choose the Best Clinical Psychology Program In Pennsylvania

1. Match The Degree To Your End Goal

If your goal is psychologist licensure, doctoral training is typically required.

2. Evaluate Clinical Depth

Look at:

  • Number and diversity of practicum sites
  • Supervision quality
  • Assessment training breadth

3. Consider Geographic Location

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer dense hospital systems.
Central and rural PA may offer stronger community-based and integrated care exposure.

4. Compare Financial Structure

  • Tuition vs assistantship funding
  • Length of program
  • Cost of living by region

FAQs

Q: Can I Become a Psychologist with Only a Bachelor's Degree?

A: No. A bachelor's degree is a foundation step. Psychologist licensure in Pennsylvania typically requires doctoral-level education and supervised training.

Q: Is a PsyD Easier than a PhD?

A: They differ in focus. PsyD programs emphasize clinical practice, while PhD programs emphasize research alongside clinical work.

Q: What Pennsylvania Regions Offer the Most Clinical Training Variety?

A: Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide broad hospital and specialty training networks, while Central PA offers strong integrated and community mental health opportunities.

Q: Should I Get a Master's Before Applying to a Doctoral Program?

A: It depends. A master's can strengthen research credentials and clinical experience, but some students enter doctoral programs directly from a strong bachelor's program.

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